Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, has confirmed that his government will not ban cats after animal experts suggested restrictions on their movements should be considered in some areas. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWG) had urged the government to look into the pros and cons of “compulsory containment” of cats in certain parts of the country. The report into responsible cat ownership had suggested Scotland should consider a curfew for cats to limit their impact on wildlife populations in areas where Scottish wildcats are at risk.
However, the Scottish government spokesperson said they would “fully consider the recommendations” of the welfare report, but Swinney has now ruled out a cat ban. “We have absolutely no intention of banning cats. There’s no way that’s going to happen,” he told BBC Scotland. The report said that up to 700 million birds, mammals and reptiles are killed by domestic cats in the UK each year.
One option suggested by the SAWC was to keep cats at home in certain rural areas, particularly where wildlife, including Scottish wildcats, were at risk from the pets. The idea of cat containment orders could apply to new housing developments where wildlife may be at risk. Other measures suggested include compulsory microchipping across Scotland and increasing the vaccination and neutering of cats living in vulnerable areas.
Permanent or seasonal cat containment areas have already been implemented in other countries subject to risks from wildlife, such as parts of Australia, where residents keep their domestic cats within the boundaries of their property. SAWC chairwoman Cathy Dwyer acknowledged that a balance had to be struck between protecting Scottish wildlife and ensuring cats had good welfare. Microchipping of all domestic cats is not compulsory in Scotland, unlike in England and Wales, and this was another recommendation from the advisers
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